Sew Preeti Quilts: gecko

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Gertie is Naughty

The Island Batik April Challenge is to make a Soft Toy.

This challenge is generously sponsored by Pauline McArthur of Funky Friends Factory.

Since I had Island Batik (gecko is their logo) on my mind, I chose to make Gertie, the Gecko.

The instructions are well-written. Video guidance for newbie toy makers is available at the Funky Friends Factory blog.

The pattern

I used bright yellow and bright blue from Island Batik Foundations. Schmetz 90/14 needle worked well.

The Body

The hind legs

The Flat Gecko - Ready to Fill

One Paw at a time

Is she moulting?

I used Polyfill to stuff the toy. It was tricky to fill the curvy tail. Made a quick run to the local sewing store to get yellow buttons. They are a bit larger than I wanted...but they will do.

As soon as I was done making the eyes, Gertie began exploring her new surroundings. From the cutting mat, she leapt on to the design wall and then on to the couch.

The newborn Gertie

Climbing the design wall

On the Couch, with Paul

Of course, Paul was taking a nap, his favorite quilt (The Invisible Sun) close by. But he was happy to pet Gertie and she seemed to be happy on his belly. I totally get it. If I was a gecko, I would be very happy there :-)

Aah to be Paul's pet :-)

But she did not stay there for too long. Last week, I had to attend a conference out of town. As I stepped out, I saw Gertie on the front path, dressed up in a snazzy yellow ribbon around her neck.

All dressed up???

What are you up to missy, I asked. She looked at me with her big googly eyes, imploring me to take her with me. When I ordered her to get back inside, she jumped on to the car's windshield.

Gertie is ready to travel

I decided she needed an outing and so she came with me to the conference in Philadelphia. I stayed at the Marriott in downtown Philly. My room was on the 17th floor.

View - looking outside

View - looking inside

Gertie happily occupied the second bed in my room. But in the morning she was up bright and early. I found her on my keyboard - naughty as ever.

Well, good morning to you too!

For now, Gertie is exhausted from her travels and is taking a nap. Should she try any new antics, you can read about them here.

I had a great time at the conference, meeting colleagues and learning about new developments in Passenger Rail. The carpet at the Marriott was so beautiful that I took several pictures.